Smoked Paprika & Dried Apricot Trail Mix

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory-sweet snack featuring toasted nuts, seeds, and dried fruit with a subtle smoky depth from smoked paprika. This American-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, turns almonds, sunflower seeds, dried apricots into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup raw almonds, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, and 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots. Whisk together 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pour the spice mixture over the nuts and fruit, tossing until evenly coated. Spread the mixture in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Bake at 300°F for 15 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and lightly toasted with a subtle smoky aroma — avoid browning.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Paprika & Dried Apricot Trail Mix take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoked Paprika & Dried Apricot Trail Mix?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Paprika & Dried Apricot Trail Mix?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoked Paprika & Dried Apricot Trail Mix for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smoked Paprika & Dried Apricot Trail Mix?

American quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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